Old Regent ships

[niehauscr]

It was the Radisson Diamond.

[GOARMY]

With apologies to the 1958 movie, "Gigi": Specifically wonderful song, "I remember it well" sung between Maurice Chevalier and Hermione Gingold; and my memory--

 

But, relying on a summary kept in our basement concerning prior cruises, and that this Thread has, as usual, deviated a bit, indulge me.  Best memory as to change-over to a fully-inclusive experience Regent now offers concerning beverages:  

 

1997 and 2004 Silversea "Cloud" and "Shadow" cruises during which we had positive interactions with the Destinations Manager, or whatever the title was. A dinner with her and another ship's officer was pleasant. 

 

Fast-forward to October-November 2005 when aboard the then-Radisson Voyager on a series of 'Med cruises, the last of which was from Rome to Athens. Our Destinations lady had relocated from Silversea to Radisson, again as Destinations Director.  Instant recognition shortly after we boarded.  She later invited us, together with another couple, to dinner with her and the Food and Beverage guy. Of course, we accepted.  

 

Once seated at dinner, the four of us passengers realized this invitation had a bit-of a purpose.  She advised Radisson would soon be changing its name (she did not specifically mention the new name).  She had met the four of us on previous Silversea cruises; therefore we were aware of the product offered by that Line, and, possibly, other 5+lines.  Like, Seabourn.  Turned out the other couple had, as we, also experienced Seabourn.

 

Bottom line: In conjunction with change of name, Radisson was considering "upping the onboard experience" to better model [read, compete] what those other 5+star cruise lines were offering.  So--what recommendations did we have?

 

Not a lot, other than--why did we have to sign for a predinner cocktail?  Or an alcoholic beverage while enjoying the post-dinner Theater show.  A clientele that could afford a Radisson cruise could be expected to shoulder the "burden" of additional costs associated with an "all-inclusive" beverage offering.  It was also an undue burden on Staff to go around obtaining signatures on chits for cocktails. 

 

She nodded in agreement.  Cannot remember whatever else we offered.  

 

Result:  November, 2006.  Back on REGENT's Mariner.  New Line name.  And, all-inclusive beverage program. 

 

Cause and effect?  No-doubt, Management replicated our experience with other clients on other 2005 cruises.  

 

Whatever--What is Past is Prologue.  

 

GOARMY!